Home Bakery Permit Requirements in Jackson, MS

1. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

   Required if you have employees or operate as an LLC or corporation. Free from the IRS.

   Official government source

   Free·Immediate (online application)

   Free

   Immediate (online application)

1. Mississippi Department of Revenue - Sales Tax Permit

   Any business selling tangible personal property or a taxable service in Mississippi must hold a sales tax permit from the Department of Revenue. The general state rate is 7%, one of the highest in the country; reduced rates apply to some categories, including 5% on SNAP-eligible groceries and light vehicles, 3% on heavy trucks and manufactured homes, and 1.5% on farm and manufacturing machinery. Register online through TAP.

   Official government source

   No fee - the Mississippi Department of Revenue does not charge for a sales tax permit.·Register online through TAP; allow about two weeks to receive your permit and filing information by mail.

   No fee - the Mississippi Department of Revenue does not charge for a sales tax permit.

   Register online through TAP; allow about two weeks to receive your permit and filing information by mail.

2. Food Safety Manager Certification (optional for cottage food operators)

   Mississippi cottage food operations require no MSDH permit and are not routinely inspected, so the certified food protection manager requirement that applies to permitted retail food establishments does not apply to them. Certification from an ANSI-accredited program (e.g. ServSafe) remains a recommended food-safety practice and is required if you later open a permitted food establishment such as a catering commissary.

   Official government source

   Set by the private certification provider, not MSDH; typical exam-and-course pricing is roughly $80-$150 — confirm with the ANSI-accredited provider you choose.·Set by the certification provider; not an MSDH process.

   Set by the private certification provider, not MSDH; typical exam-and-course pricing is roughly $80-$150 — confirm with the ANSI-accredited provider you choose.

   Set by the certification provider; not an MSDH process.

1. Mississippi Cottage Food Law

   Mississippi allows home food production under its Cottage Food Law (Miss. Code Ann. § 75-29-951). Only non-potentially-hazardous foods made in your home kitchen qualify (baked goods without cream, custard, or meat fillings; candy; dried fruit, pasta and spices; dry baking mixes; granola and trail mixes; fruit pies; jams and jellies made with sugar). Sales must be made directly by the producer to the end consumer, in Mississippi only — no wholesale, retail-store, or consignment sales. HB 326 (effective July 1, 2020) permits advertising over the internet and social media. Products must carry the required label, including the statement that the food was made in a cottage food operation not subject to Mississippi's food safety regulations.

   Official government source

   No state fee — MSDH requires no cottage food permit or registration. A city or county business license fee may still apply.·Not applicable — no MSDH application or registration step exists; the home kitchen is inspected only if a complaint is received.

   No state fee — MSDH requires no cottage food permit or registration. A city or county business license fee may still apply.

   Not applicable — no MSDH application or registration step exists; the home kitchen is inspected only if a complaint is received.

2. City of Jackson - Business License (Privilege Tax)

   Jackson requires a city business license for all businesses operating within city limits, issued by the Business Licensing Division at 200 S. President Street - not a Revenue Division. The application requires a completed notarized Privilege Tax form, a Certificate of Good Standing and formation documents from the Mississippi Secretary of State, proof of occupancy (lease, deed, or utility bill), and any industry-specific permits. Renewed annually and displayed at the place of business.

   Official government source

   Fees vary by business type and size; Jackson does not publish a fee table - the Business Licensing Division quotes the amount at application (601-960-1148).·Usually 7-14 business days after a complete application is submitted.

   Fees vary by business type and size; Jackson does not publish a fee table - the Business Licensing Division quotes the amount at application (601-960-1148).

   Usually 7-14 business days after a complete application is submitted.

Official Sources

• Mississippi Cottage Food Law
• City of Jackson Revenue Division

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